By Nsan Ndoma-Neji
A Federal High Court (vacation court), sitting in Port Harcourt has ordered the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong E. Offiong, and five others from sacking the Chaplain of the Chapel of Redemption, Rev. Joseph Ushie.
Hon. Justice Phoebe Ayua gave the order in Suit No. FHC/CA/FHR/87/2026 while granting an “interim injunction” following an ex parte motion filed by the chaplain. The court restrained the VC and other respondents from interfering with the applicant’s fundamental rights.
Rev. Ushie, through his counsel Mba E. Ukweni, SAN, and V. C. Egboluche, told the court that the respondents had moved to sack him by evicting him from his quarters, appointing an “interim chaplain” and a caretaker committee “against the constitution of the church,” and barring him from the university premises. He also alleged assault while exercising his right to worship.
But in the ruling of the presiding judge Hon. Justice Phoebe Ayua, restrained the Vice Chancellor and the institution principal officers acting from “entering, trespassing upon, taking over, locking up or in any way interfering with the premises of the UNICAL Chapel of Redemption.”
The judge further ordered all parties to maintain the “status quo ante bellum” and halt all actions connected to the disputed sack pending the determination of the substantive application.
The court directed that hearing notices be served on all respondents and adjourned the case to August 20, 2026.
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